Gliederung

Introduction

Despite increasing popularity of disc arthroplasty for degenerative disc disease treatment, indications remain a matter of debate. We report the results of disc-arthroplasty using ProdiscTM for different indications, minimum follow-up 12 months.

Materials and Methods

Between 07/2000 and 12/2004, the ProdiscTM-device was implanted in 165 patients (43,5 years avg.) mono-, bi- or multi-segmentally. Indications included degenerative disc disease with (Modic) and without Modic-changes (DDD), DDD with disc herniation,Â postoperative osteochondrosis, adjacent disc degeneration following previous fusion, DDD with a monosegmental tilt and combined fusion-disc-replacement procedures in adjacent levels. Diagnosis were based on x-ray/ MRI-imaging. Results were evaluated according to VAS, SF-36 and Oswestry-Disability-Questionnaire (ODQ). Examinations were carried out 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively, annually from then.

Conclusion

Whilst longer follow-up evaluations are necessary, present data suggest that total disc arthroplasty is a safe and standardized procedure for treatment of DDD with good postoperative clinical results. Due to significantly varying outcomes, indications for disc arthroplasty must be defined precisely.